1000 SW Jackson
Suite 230
Topeka, KS 66612-1274
(785) 296-1223
(785) 296-8645 (FAX)

Coordinator:
Jan Stegelman

Executive Committee:
Randall Bolin
NHTSA Region VII

Dennis Cooley, MD
Medical Advisor
American Academy of
Pediatrics, Kansas
Chapter

John Drees
Douglas County
SAFE KIDS Coalition

Vanda Easley
State Farm Insurance
Companies

Jim Keating
Kansas State
Firefighters Association

Elena Nuss
Kansas State
Fire Marshal's Office

Cindy Samuelson
Kansas Hospital Association

Kansas SAFE KIDS Focuses on Injury Prevention for Special-Needs Children

October is National Disability Month

Nine million children in the United States, a full 13 percent, have a special health care need. Data shows that children with physical and psychological disabilities have a much higher rate of injury than other children. With this in mind, Kansas SAFE KIDS is educating the public about the importance of injury prevention this October, during National Disability Month.

"Preventive education is very important when raising children with developmental disabilities," said Jan Stegelman, Coordinator of Kansas SAFE KIDS. "Whether it's getting the right-sized or specialized car seat, using visual reminders for kids with ADHD or showing children in wheelchairs how to properly exit in the event of a fire, there are proven strategies to help prevent injuries."

Kansas SAFE KIDS offers the following tips to keep special-needs children injury-free:

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Children with ADHD get hurt more than most children. They also are more likely to be admitted to a hospital for inpatient, outpatient or emergency care . Be aware of common dangers as well: Many parents don't realize that young children can drown in less than an inch of water, or that a child can fall out of a window that is open only 5 inches.

Child Passenger Safety

All children with special needs should be restrained in a federally approved child safety seat every time they ride in a vehicle. Check with your child's physician to see if your child needs to ride in a specially adapted car seat.

Falls

Children with disabilities who are minimally mobile but perceived as immobile by caregivers might be at increased risk for falling from a bed or other elevated surface. Falls from a bed or other surface are also the most common reported injury among wheelchair users. Each child's situation needs to be assessed individually. Ask your physician or therapist to recommend training and equipment specifically for safe transfer of your child.

Fire Safety

There are 28 million deaf and hearing-impaired Americans unable to rely on the life-saving sound of a smoke alarm. Your local fire department will be able to provide information on obtaining a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm. Make sure that children with special needs, including those in wheelchairs, know how to exit in case of fire. Practice a safe fire escape route with your child.

Toys

Toys for children with special needs should be safe, durable, versatile, challenging and engaging. They should support the body; possess large buttons, levers or handles; be made of rubber, with non-slide bottoms; and be easy to operate and maneuver.

For more information on keeping special needs children safe, visit www.safekids.org or contact Kansas SAFE KIDS at 785-296-1223

Kansas SAFE KIDS, Inc. is a nonprofit Coalition of 67 statewide organizations and businesses dedicated to preventing unintentional injuries to Kansas children ages 0-14. Local coalitions and chapters are located in Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Clay, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Montgomery, Nemaha, Osage, Pottawatomie, Republic, Rice, Saline, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Woodson, and Wyandotte Counties, as well as Chanute, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Norton, Pittsburg, and Wichita.